Delas Frères Condrieu Clos Boucher
Rhône, France
Vintage:2020 (Current)
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Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points
“I loved the 2020 Condrieu Clos Boucher from barrel, and it doesn't disappoint from bottle. Ripe white peach, caramelized orange, brioche, and a kiss of minerality all define this smoking good Condrieu, and while it's rich and textured, it stays light on its feet and has remarkable purity, as well as a beautiful sense of freshness on the palate. It's drinking brilliantly today yet will keep for 5-7 years, although I see no need to delay gratification.”
Decanter 93 Points
“Spicy with savoury aromas on the nose. Nutmeg, cinnamon and ripe peachy stone fruit on the palate. Juicy and creamy with a soft texture and a delicate, freshly balanced finish.”
JamesSuckling.com 95 Points
“A wide spectrum of exotic fruit and flower aromas pulls you into this concentrated and finely nuanced Condrieu, which has a ravishing apricot flavor on the mid-palate, then a very long finish that’s simultaneously creamy and filigree. I love the touch of saltiness that lingers like an afterglow. From a 1.98 hectare plot just north of the tiny Chateau Grillet appellation. Drink or hold.”
Overview
The Condrieu is one of the world‘s most elite winegrowing regions. The steep vineyards are difficult to cultivate, and as a result only 50 acres in Condrieu are currently under vine. Located on the right bank in Verin, near Château Grillet, Clos Boucher is one of Condrieu‘s oldest vineyards. Planted on five acres of granite slopes rising above the river, with southern exposure, Clos Boucher‘s 35-year-old vines consistently produce grapes of perfect maturity. This wine is produced only in the very best years, and in quantities that are deliberately limited each vintage.
The climate is moderately continental, hot and dry in summer, regular rainfalls during the other seasons. The vineyard has often been a victim of history and almost disappeared on several occasions, during the barbarian invasions, in the days of the “Grandes Compagnies” (in the 17th and 18th centuries) and, more recently, at the end of the 19th century, with the phylloxera infestation. Well before the modern period, the trading port of Condrieu and its river fleet carried the reputation of its wines far and wide.
Winemaking
This cuvée is the result of a plot selection. The grapes are sourced exclusively from the estate's Clos Boucher vineyards, a handful of granite soil blocks enjoying southern exposure, similar to neighboring Château Grillet. This wine is produced only in the very best years, and in quantities that are deliberately limited to 8,00 bottles per vintage. After pressing and racking, the must is entirely fermented in new oak casks.
Tasting Notes
Clos Boucher is light gold in color, with some deeper golden tinges. Its nose shows deep aromas that are reminiscent of exotic fruit and crystalized peach. This is a very concentrated wine which produces a lots of intense, ripe flavors on the palate. Its smooth texture is enhanced by a subtle touch of oak, which gives it an added dimension and distinctive character.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs well with asparagus, steamed fish on a butter sauce, and citrus oven roasted chicken.
Technical Information
Varietals: 100% Viognier
Aging: 6-8 months in 40% new, 40% 1-year 228-litre oak casks, 20% stainless steel